Thursday, 3 March 2011

Dreaming Taj Mahal- Aspirations of Pakistani Taxi Driver Captured by Indian Film Maker

TV 9 Naveena

In association with

COVA

Invite you to the screening of the Documentary

“Dreaming Taj Mahal’

Life of a Pakistani taxi driver captured by an Indian film maker!

His life, family, social perceptions, problems, politics, feelings about India and the burning desire to see

The Taj Mahal!!

A must see for all

Duration:51 Minutes

Produced & Directed by

NIRMAL CHANDER

The screening would be followed by a Panel Discussion with

Ms. Madeeha Gauhar (Renowned Theater Personality from Pakistan),

Mr. Sumanaspati Reddy (Hyderabad Documentary Circle and

Dr. Mazher Hussain, COVA

Venue: Lalitha Kala Thoranam

Time: 4 pm

Date: Saturday, 5th March 2011

SYNOPSIS

Haidar, a taxi driver, dreams of going to India to see the Taj Mahal. The choice doesn’t seem strange for a man who believes that “Love is everything”. The only problem is he lives in Pakistan!

Why is Haidar's dream so impossible to achieve? Is it because he is a Pakistani, a Muslim, seen by the Indian government as a potential spy or a terrorist? Or is it because he is a common man with no strings to pull?

India and Pakistan have a long-standing relationship of suspicion and hostility. They have been to war four times and continuing terrorist attacks in India make Haidar’s quest for a visa look almost impossible.

To see how Haidar's dream can be given a voice, and what it means for all of us, I travel from India to Pakistan.

Haidar's solution for peace is simple. If ordinary citizens of both countries are allowed to interact with each other, they will realise not only are they historically and culturally close but they also have similar problems - from potholed roads to corrupt politicians.